Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín (University of Redlands 2024)

Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín is a concert-drama that was conceived and created by Foundation President, Maestro Murry Sidlin. It combines the magnificent music of Verdi with video testimony from survivors of the original Terezín chorus and footage from the 1944 Nazi propaganda film about Theresienstadt. The performance also includes actors who speak the words of imprisoned conductor Rafael Schächter and others.Defiant Requiem is not just a performance of the Verdi Requiem, but a tribute to the inspired leadership of Rafael Schächter who was forced to reconstitute the choir three times as members were transported to Auschwitz. The performances came to symbolize resistance and defiance and demonstrated the prisoners’ courage to confront the worst of mankind with the best of mankind. Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín is powerful, dramatic and inspirational.Featuring: University of Redlands Choral Union Dr. Nicholle Andrews, Director University of Redlands Symphony Orchestra Co Boi Nguyen, Conductor Inland Master Chorale Dr. Joseph Modica, Artistic DirectorConductor: Myrry Sidlin Concertmaster: Herbert Greenberg Soprano Soloist: Courtney Taylor Mezzo-soprano Soloist: Olga Perez Flora Tenor Soloist: James Flora Bass Soloist: Paul An Actress: Debbie Prutsman Actor: Paul Blatchley